During the Veteran’s Day Parade this past weekend, I stood outside alongside fellow military members to highlight the House GOP tax reform bill and its negative consequences for not just veterans, but all Tennesseans.

I want you to know that the Republican-controlled legislature has decreased the military pension from 50 percent at 20 years of service to 40 percent. The Congress also approved the new dental insurance from United Concordia, who has drastically lowered the benefits for all dental procedures for the family members of active duty, including coverage of periodic exams and dental cleanings. There is now a $37.21 out of pocket co-pay.

Our very own Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who attended the parade, continues to promote tax reform as “tax relief that the American people want.” However, her ruthless self-interest blinds her to the reality of what her constituents really want.

Veterans, like myself, want affordable healthcare and housing. The GOP House tax plan results in a $1.7 trillion deficit paving the way for the GOP to cut funding for Medicaid and Medicare: nearly 1 in 10 veterans rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage, and half of all veterans in 2016 had health insurance through Medicare.

Additionally, the House GOP tax bill contains a provision to eliminate the tax-exempt status bonds used to fund affordable housing, helping many low-income veterans put a roof over their heads.

Don’t be fooled by the GOP rhetoric: this tax bill rewards the wealthiest 1 percent, not the 1 percent who fought for this country. Rep. Blackburn can thank all of us who served, but this tax bill only serves the corporations that line her pockets.

Master Sgt. (retired) Karen Reynolds

Clarksville

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